City Opera Vancouver presents Nigredo Hotel

Be prepared to be thrilled as City Opera Vancouver presents the astonishing and macabre work, Nigredo Hotel, from September 20 to 22, at The Cultch Historic Theatre.

Originally commissioned by Tapestry Opera, City Opera Vancouver’s Nigredo Hotel is directed by Alan Corbishley, with music by Nic Gotham and libretto by distinguished Canadian author and playwright Ann-Marie MacDonald. The one-act chamber opera tells the tale of an encounter between a beautiful but crazed hotelier, Sophie, and a brain surgeon, Raymond, who seeks refuge after a traumatic car accident.

“Part psychological thriller and mystery, both sarcastic and sweet, witty and strange, Nigredo Hotel is nothing like City Opera Vancouver has ever presented before. This deeply moving, emotionally and intellectually charged work is full of suspense, broad comedy, and great surprise,” says Charles Barber, Artistic Director, City Opera Vancouver. “Vancouver audiences will be mesmerized by MacDonald’s highly evocative libretto and Gotham’s brilliant score that beautifully conveys the complex relationship between two strangers as they embark on a dark spiritual journey. This celebrated opera is an intellectual tour de force and one of the most remarkable works in the Canadian opera canon.”

Internationally renowned opera stars Tyler Duncan and Sarah Vardy will perform a brilliant Jungian-inspired combat between two of the most unusual characters in 20th century opera. Internationally renowned Canadian baritone Duncan make his City Opera debut as Raymond. Praised for his “powerful voice and dramatic conviction” (New York Times), Duncan is a multi-award winning vocalist known for his performances of art song, oratorio and operatic roles across North America, Europe, and South Africa. Joining Duncan on stage is gifted Canadian dramatic soprano Vardy in the role of Sophie. Hailed for her “emotional yet unaffected quality of performance with a true clear voice” (Saskatoon Star Phoenix), Vardy has delighted audiences in Canada, Europe, Mexico, and China.

The vocalists will perform without a conductor, and are accompanied on stage by a quartet featuring François Houle, clarinet; Laurence Mollerup, bass; Martin Fisk, percussion; and Roger Parton, keyboard.

The world premiere of Nigredo Hotel was performed by Tapestry Opera on May 13, 1992 at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto. The production toured Canada, was presented at the Glasgow Mayfest, remounted in Toronto in 1995 and 2005, and premiered in Australia in 2006. The Cultch Historic Theatre welcomes this City Opera Vancouver production of Nigredo Hotel September 20 – 22, 2018, at 8pm each night. ?Get tickets online at thecultch.com